Mark, Suswam, Mku win Benue senatorial primaries
The major contender to Benue South senatorial district, former permanent secretary, Ministry of Defence, during Abacha’s regime, Chif Mike Onoja, has stepped down for the Senate President, Senator David Mark.
Onoja announced his stepping down at thecommencement of the primaries held at the secretariat of Otukpo local government.
The retired civil servant hinged his stepping down to the endorsement of Mark by Idoma elders, adding that he was also endorsed by some elders of the area but submitted that the argument advanced by the elders, that Mark, who has been number three citizen of the nation, still have the opportunity of retaining his position.
Onoja noted that as a result of the superior argument and being a brother working for collective interest of the zone, he decided to step down for Mark, but regretted that the senate president did not respond to his statement at the time he conceived the idea of contesting, in which he consulted with him.The returning officer, who declared the result, explained that the primaries in the zone was on consensus basis, adding that the party also followed the rules by affirmation.
He however declared that Mark polled 384 and five votes voided.
In zone A, with the stepping down of former national chairman of PDP, Chief Barnabas Gemade, governor Gabriel Suswam who came as consensus candidate was also affirmed by the delegates.
Piece gathered from Zone B, also indicated that one time aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo, chief Mike Mku also won the primaries.
In his response, Mark applauded the maturity of Onoja and promised to work towards the development of the zone.
Gov Orji, Abaribe, picks Senate ticket as Chukwumerijie crashes
The result from the just- concluded National Assembly primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) produced Governor Theodore Orji of Abia state as its standard-bearer for Abia Central senatorial district, while the serving senator for Abia North, Senator Uche Chukwumerijie crashed out of the keenly contested race.
Other winners that emerged at the primaries include, the serving senator Enyinnaya, the senator representing Abia South Senatorial district, and Chief MAO Ohuabunwa, who defeated Chukwumerijie to pick the Abia North Senatorial ticket.
Announcing the result for Abia Central, the returning officer for the primary, Chief Ndidi Okereke, said Governor Orji, who was the only aspirant to stand for the senatorial primary, held at the Umuahia township Stadium, on Sunday, polled 221 votes out of the 222 Statutory and Ad-hoc delegates votes while one vote was voided.
In his acceptance speech after being declared winner, Governor Orji thanked members of the Party for their confidence and trust reposed in him, having collectively purchased the PDP Senatorial nomination form for him.
“By what has happened today, democracy has been enhanced because it was transparent and I wish that all elections will be like this in Abia.
“When I go to the Senate, I will see myself as representing my people; my mission at the Senate will be on my people from Abia Central and the entire State. However, in the House of Representatives primaries held on Saturday, four serving House members won in the exercise to pick the party’s ticket while four lost out in the race.
Those who secured the tickets of the party to contest in the 2015 election include, Honourable (Mrs) Nkiruka Onyejeocha for Ummunnochi/Isuikwuato federal Constituency, Nnenna Ukeje for Bende Federal Constituency, Honourable Uzo Azubuike for Aba North/South Federal Constituency and Chief Uzoma Nkem Abonta for Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency.
Others who won to displace the other four serving federal legislators include, Chief Uko Nkole, whose emergence saw to the withdrawal of the serving member for Arochukwu/Ohafia, Honourable Arua Arunsi, Chief Sam Onuigbo beat the incumbent Honourable Oluchi Ibeji, who represents Ikwuano Umuahia federal consituency, Honourable Darlington Nwokocha, presently representing Isiala Nwa South State constituency forced the serving federal lawmaker representing Isiala North/South federal constituency, on Chineye Ike, to bow out of the race while in Obingwa/Osisioma/
Oduah picks Anambra PDP senatorial ticket
The immediate past Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Anambra Senatorial seat.
In a result announced in Nteje, Anambra State, Sunday, Ms Oduah polled 259 votes to defeat Margery Okadigbo, the incumbent, and wife of former Senate president, Chuba Okadigbo.
Mrs Okadigbo got eight votes.
Other contestants for the ticket included Sam Ikefuna, 10 votes; and John Emeka, 15 votes.
The former minister, who picked the party’s nomination form last October, got almost 90 per cent of the total votes cast by delegates.
Owan-Enoh floors Ndoma-Egba in Cross River •I’ll appeal —Ndoma-Egba
MEMBER representing Etung/Obubra federal constituency of Cross River State, Honourable John Owan-Enoh, on Sunday, defeated the Senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, to clinch the Central senatorial district’s ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Central senatorial district primaries, held at the council headquarters in Ikom Local Government Area of the state, saw Owan-Enoh polling 217 votes to defeat his two opponents, the incumbent Senator Ndoma-Egba, who scored 37 votes and Ambassador Mark Egbe, who got 20 votes.
The returning officer, Mr Oko Inaku, while announcing the result, said the process was free and fair.
“The total vote cast is 276, total number of invalid votes is two. The contestants’ votes are: Owan-Enoh 217 votes; Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, 37 votes and Ambassador Mark Egbe, 20 votes.
“As part of the constitution of our party, I hereby declare Honourable John Owan-Enoh the winner of the Central senatorial district primaries,” he said.
Addressing journalists after the exercise, Owan-Enoh said the people of the Central senatorial district had made a strong statement about their future and thanked them for the confidence reposed in him.
Reacting, Ndoma-Egba rejected the result, adding in a statement on Sunday that there were irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.
“The process didn’t meet the basic integrity test for primaries. It certainly was not a true reflection of the wishes of the people.
“This isn’t even about the people. There were certain fundamentals with this election; the materials were not even shown, the list of delegates were not shown either.
“I reject the outcome of the exercise and I will appeal against it,” he said.
Kashamu emerges Ogun PDP senatorial candidate
FINANCIER of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, on Sunday, emerged the candidate of Ogun East senatorial district of the party.
Kashamu, who is the chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of the party in the South-West, clinched the ticket, having defeated two other aspirants, Honourable Daisi Akintan and Mrs Temitayo Oriola with 365 votes.
The election, having delegates from the nine local government areas in the district, was held at an event centre in Ijebu-Ode, amid tight security.
This came as former commissioner for Agriculture during the administration of Chief Gbenga Daniel, Mr Waliu Lai Taiwo, won with 191 votes to clinch the ticket in Ogun West senatorial district, having defeated four other aspirants.
However, the state executive committee of the party, under the chairmanship of Mr Bayo Dayo, had to postpone primaries in Ogun Central senatorial district, due to tension that arose among the delegates of the two aspirants contesting for the post, Honourable. Lanre Laoshe and Dr (Mrs) Abisola Sodipo-Clark.
When contacted, the state secretary of the party, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, told the Nigerian Tribune that the party leadership considered it necessary to shift the election till tomorrow, to forestall breakdown of law and order.
He said leaders of the party from Egba would hold a meeting with the two aspirants in Abeokuta.
Smart Adeyemi wins again
THE senator representing Kogi West senatorial district at the National Assembly, Smart Adeyemi, won the primaries on Sunday, to contest for another term in 2015.
Adeyemi, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, defeated his usual opponent, Joseph Faniyi, by polling 216 votes against 77 polled by Faniyi, who had contested but lost against him three times.
Declaring the result of the election conducted at Kabba, the returning officer, Segun Ogbonikan, said Senator Adeyemi pulled 216 votes out of the 296 total votes cast.
Senator Adeyemi told newsmen after he was declared the winner that the result was in line with his quality representation which he had provided for the people at the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
He informed that the victory would spur him to do more and enable him to reach out to many people and touch their lives as their representative.
Also, the incumbent member of the House of Representatives in Yagba federal constituency Honourable Sunday Karimi, won the primaries held in Kabba.
Honourable Tajudeen Yussuf, representing Kabba Bunu /Ijumu federal constituency, also won in the primaries
In Idah federal constituency, former state secretary of PDP, Emmanuel Egwu, defeated the incumbent member of House of Representatives, Honourable Sumaila Ina Hussein.
Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area and Kogi State chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Aloysius Okino, emerged the candidate for Ajaokuta federal constituency.
He defeated the current member of the House of Representatives, Muhammed Asema Sadiq.
Two other incumbents, Honourable Tom Zakari, representing Dekina/Bassa and Honourable Sadiq Asema of Ajaokuta federal constituencies, also lost their elections.
However, the second term ambition of the son of former governor of the state, Muhammed Idris, suffered a setback, as armed youths believed to be loyal to his major opponent, Abdullaihi Ibrahim, disrupted the election as a result of alleged change of delegate list.
How Delta North lost to Urhobo
THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primaries in Delta State may see all candidates from Delta North licking wounds of their defeat, with David Edevbie, an Harvard-trained Urhobo man, poised to win the keenly sought-after party flag.
Edevbie is a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in the state and former Principal Secretary to the late President Umar Yar’ Adua.
According to feelers from the party hierarchy, Delta North and Central groups had closed ranks and will today line up behind Edevbie.
While the Delta North aspirants could not speak with one voice, the influential Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) was able to persuade its five sons to step down for Edevbie.
The former commissioner’s chances at today’s primaries may have further been boosted by the support of loyalists of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Nigerian Tribune investigation also revealed that though the incumbent governor had consistently maintained that he remained neutral and would support whoever emerged at the primaries, those close to him said Edevbie was actually his Plan B, the ace he had kept up his sleeve in case the Delta North aspirants failed to find a consensus.
Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, is also reported to be excited about the choice of Edevbie.
A member of the inner caucus of the Delta state PDP told the Nigerian Tribune that “it is unfortunate that despite the goodwill Delta North has enjoyed this far, all the candidates have stuck to their guns, refusing to pick one among them and queue behind him.
“Right from the beginning, it was obvious that the other groups were more politically savvy than the candidates from Delta North. We appealed to them to close ranks so the slot does not go to another group, but they were too busy playing big men to do what is right. Now, they may have lost out.”
The source further hinted that one of the factors that may have worked against the Delta North aspirants was their consistent attack on Governor Uduaghan.
“While the other groups were working to get the party flag, some of the Delta North aspirants were all over the place blackmailing the governor and accusing him of all kinds of sins.
“The energy they should have deployed into getting the flag have been dissipated on vilifying the governor. They were so close to getting this flag, but I think their egos got in the way and since only one man can win, whoever wins today will get the support of the system,” the source said.
Delta State deputy governor and governorship aspirant, Professor Amos Utuama, has withdrawn from the primaries.
Utuama, earlier favoured to dislodge other aspirants, has, therefore, thrown his weight behind a fellow Urhobo, Chief Edevbie.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, Augustine Avwode, Utuama explained that his decision followed the choice of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) to present Chief Edevbie as the sole PDP’s aspirant from the Delta Central senatorial district.
Meanwhile, incumbent senator representing Delta South senatorial district, Mr James Manager, has won the primaries for the senatorial district’s ticket.
Manager scored 291 votes to defeat AVM Terry Okorodudu (retd), who polled 13 votes at the Warri township stadium on Sunday.
Voting materials arrived at about 2:16 p.m and accreditation of delegates started at about 3.00p.m.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, who recently announced his withdrawal from the senatorial race, citing security reasons, voted at 3:36 p.m, while Manager voted at 3:42 p.m.
Serving senator, Reps member, others emerge in Nasarawa
A serving senator, representing Nasarawa South senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Suleiman Adokwe, on Sunday, again emerged winner during the party‘s primaries for 2015 senatorial election in Nasarawa State.
He polled 164 to defeat Bala Zakari who scored 46 votes.
Chairman of the electoral committee, Augustine Agube, who announced the results, said: “Having secured the highest number of votes and scored 163, Suleiman Adokwe is hereby declared the winner of the primaries.”
Meanwhile, member of the green carpet in the National Assembly, representing Obi/Lafia constituency, Honourable Haruna Kigbu, also defeated the state deputy speaker, Honourable Elisha Agwadu, as well as Sidi Bako and Obed Joseph at just concluded primaries for the House of Representatives, at the weekend.
Kigbu scored 48, while Agwadu, Bako and Joseph polled 22, 18 and one votes respectively.
Rivers elders insist on zoning arrangement
EVEN as the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holds its governorship primaries today, elders in the state are still confident that the national leadership will bow to the call for the arrangement of the governorship seat.
This was even as a source disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan may not yield to pressure from some quarters to drop Chief Nyesom Wike as the likely governorship candidate of the party in the state.
A pressure group in the party, said to include Chief Edwin Clark and Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, had been on the president’s neck to persuade the former Minister of State for Education to drop his ambition.
However, Jonathan was said to have had told the PDP elders to prove it to him who else had worked more than Wike to ensure the continued existence of the party in Rivers.
In spite of the stand of the president, some elders of the party, under the aegis of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders’ Council, on Sunday evening, demanded that the governorship position be zoned to either the riverine area or to the Ogoni people in the state.
Chairman of the council, Chief Albert Horsefall, said though the PDP in the state would conduct its governorship primaries today (Monday), he was optimistic that the national leadership of the party would do the right thing by zoning the governorship position to the riverine area or Ogoni.
Oyo PDP holds governorship primaries today
THE protracted crisis rocking the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appeared to have been resolved, as the party is set to join its contemporaries across the country to conduct the governorship primary today.
The primary election, scheduled to begin by 10:00a.m. at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan, will have as participants only the statutory delegates of the party, which included: members of the PDP Board of Trustees; members of the National and State Assemblies; the 25 members of the state executive of the party and the party chairman, secretary, youth leader, woman leader and treasurer of the 33 local governments in the state.
Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that efforts were on, as of the time of filing this report, to ensure that former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, emerged as a consensus candidate, with former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and Mr Seyi Makinde, who were the closest contenders, said to be offered a ministerial appointment and the party’s Oyo South senatorial ticket, respectively.
A source who spoke on a condition of anonymity said “a meeting is on as we speak (4.30p.m on Sunday) to conclude how Alao-Akala and others will be pacified. The former governor is primed to take over as Minister of State for Defence while Senator Ayoade Adeseun and Makinde will be offered the Oyo Central and Oyo South senatorial tickets respectively,” the source said.
It will be recalled that the party had been enmeshed in serious crisis over the adhoc ward delegates’ congress, with two attempts to elect delegates that will form the electoral college of the party to elect its standard bearers for the House of Assembly, National Assembly and governorship posts, unsuccessful as allegations of irregularities marred the process.
One of the governorship aspirants, Mr Seyi Makinde got a court order, on Friday, that the list of delegates produced by the 24 November, 2014 delegates congress, must be used for the party’s primaries, this is just as the camp of another aspirant and former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, insisted of having secured an order earlier that only reports, results and congress authorised by the Yinka Taiwo-led executive should be recognised by the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The state executive had reportedly endorsed the congress list submitted by the chairman of the congress panel, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong and his secretary, Ndoma Egodo, while the remaining three members of the panel dissented and approved a list said to have favoured Makinde, which was validated by Justice E.S. Chukwu of the Abuja Federal High Court, on Friday.
Our sister publication, Sunday Tribune, had exclusively reported that the two courts orders had created a dilemma for the national leadership of the party, which tried in vain for weeks to resolve the crisis in the party and choose a candidate for the governorship election.
Several meetings held with the chairman of the South-West PDP Integration Panel, Senate President David Mark and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party ended in stalemate, as former Governor Alao-Akala and Folarin camps, among others, stuck to their guns, while all the other aspirants reportedly insisted on primaries.
One of the efforts to resolve the crisis, the Nigerian Tribune gathered, was a suggestion that the 33 local governments of the state should be shared to the 10 governorship aspirants, National Assembly members and party leaders. But no sooner had this been done than it was clear that it would fail, with a source close to the Alao-Akala camp telling the Nigerian Tribune in confidence that the camp would pull out of the party, while other camps were also said to be watching how the development would favour them before it finally collapsed.
However, the party could not conduct the House of Assembly and National Assembly primaries, following the logjam occasioned by the botched delegates’ congress of 1 November and 24 November, 2014, respectively, as aspirants traded blames for the failure of the congress.
This development, it was reported, had left the leadership of the party in a fix as to how to resolve the conundrum in the party, with sources at the Abuja meetings insisting that the party could not meet the INEC deadline of 11 December for the conclusion of primaries.
But in a dramatic twist, the party announced that its primary will hold today, with the chairman of the party, Yinka Taiwo, insisting that there was no crisis in the party, noting that democracy “is all about dialogue and that is what we have doing so far. I am bold to tell you that internal democracy is an important feature of the PDP and we are going to demonstrate that today.”
However, when asked if the party would not go up in flames given the resolution of the 10 aspirants not to step down, Taiwo said the party would resolve the issues.
He declined comments on whether the party would have a sole candidate or not and also said he was in no position to comment on whatever options being considered to resolve the situation by the national leadership, making reference to the claims that Alao-Akala and others will be offered other posts.
Makarfi returns unopposed
Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the senator representing Kaduna-North Senatorial District, has been returned as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer in the 2015 senatorial election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Makarfi was adopted as sole candidate after his rival, Umar Faruk, withdrew from the contest following consensus arrangement made a day prior to the party’s primary in Kaduna State.
Declaring the result, Alhaji Ahmed Tahir, Chairman, PDP electoral committee, said: “Makarfi is the only contestant, however, based on PDP requirement, an election must hold to fulfill such requirement.
“Haven counted all the votes cast, Makarfi got 333 votes indicating that he polled all the votes cast which gives him the opportunity to become the flag-bearer of PDP.
“Therefore, by the authority conferred on me as the chairman of this election, I hereby declare Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as the PDP flag-bearer,” Tahir said.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote, Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State, advised delegates and party loyalists to remain calm and obey constituted authorities.
He also called on the people of the state to be orderly and do everything possible to ensure the success of the party in the 2015 general election.
Governor Jang, Dariye pick senatorial tickets
Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang and Senator Joshua Dariye, on Sunday, picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial tickets for Plateau North and Plateau South, respectively while the result of Plateau North is being awaited.
Governor Jang defeated his only opponent in the primary election, Ambassdor Ibrahim Kassai, with a wide margin of 273 against 18 votes while Jang said he would pursue his senatorial ambition like a trained soldier in 2015.
Speaking shortly after his victory, Gov Jang said, “I remain grateful to these delegates and I promised to serve them and uplift people of my senatorial zone just as they lifted me today.”
In the Plateau Central, the incumbent Senator Joshua Dariye defeated a member of House of Representatives, Honourable Emmanuel Goar and his former political aide, Mr Alexander Molwus, to pick the senatorial ticket.
Fadahunsi, Akinlabi, Aina emerge Osun PDP senatorial candidates
THE chairman of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Chief Francis Fadahunshi and former minister of Youth Development, Senator Rasheed Olasunkanmi Akinlabi and Chief Oluwole Oludaisi Aina, on Sunday, emerged as senatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the three senatorial districts of Osun State.
Fadahunshi emerged as the PDP’s standard bearer for Osun East Senatorial District, while Aina won the ticket for Osun Central Senatorial District.
Former minister of Youth Affairs, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, had earlier been unanimously adopted as PDP candidate for Osun West Senatorial District.
At the primary election held on Saturday, Fadahunshi, a retired deputy comptroller general of Nigeria Custom Service, defeated the former chairman of the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Chief (Mrs) Remi Olowu by 266 votes to 116, to clinch PDP ticket for Osun East.
For Osun Central, Aina polled 252 votes to defeat Mr Kunle Alao, who secured 151 votes.
Speaking shortly after being declared winner of the primary election, Fadahunshi commended leadership of the party for providing level play ground for all aspirants, stressing that his emergence through a democratic process indicated the readiness of PDP to excel in 2015 poll.
He called for more dedication by the party members and assured of his preparedness to provide quality representation, if elected senator.
In his remark, the state chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, commended members of the party for exhibiting decorum and discipline during the exercise, just as he expressed optimism that his party would win all the three senatorial seats in February 2015 National Assembly poll.
Parallel primaries in Ondo
Parallel primaries were conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State into the three senatorial districts of the state.
In the central senatorial district, the faction of the new state executive council returned the incumbent, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, while the faction of the old PDP elected an Akure indigene, Olusola Agbesua.
Members of the party and delegates were seen as early 9:00a.m. at the capital city, Akure, where the exercise was conducted and Agbesua emerged as the party’s candidate.
It was gathered that another aspirant vying for the senatorial ticket with Agbesua, Ife Adedipe, decided to withdraw from the race.
Speaking after the primary, Agbesua described the exercise as peaceful, saying the primaries were conducted in line with the party’s guidelines and constitution.
He called on the governor of the state, Olusegun Mimiko who is regarded as the leaders of the party in the state, to amicably settle the two factions to ensure victory for the party during the next year’s elections.
At the northern senatorial district, the faction of the recognised state executive produced Dr Bode Olajumoke, while the other faction elected Dr Olu Agunloye.
Also, a former Commissioner for Works in the state, Yele Omogunwa, was elected by the faction of the state executive.
However, the primaries of the party in the Southern Senatorial Districts by the old PDP faction was still on as at the time of filing this report but it was gathered that five aspirants were jostling for the ticket.
The aspirants included, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, Abayomi Sheaba, Bamidele Akingboye and Olakunrin.
The officials of INEC and security agents were said to be present at the venue of the two exercises.
Kogi federal lawmaker wins PDP return ticket
Vice Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Honourable Tajudeen Yusuf, on Saturday, won Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary to represent Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency of Kogi State for second term in the 2015 election.
The lawmaker, who polled 51 votes while other two candidates that contested against him, Honourable Jethro Funsho and Omolade Ibikunle, scored 37 and 23 votes respectively.
Yusuf pledged to re-dedicate himself to responsive, responsible and resourceful representation of the constituency, saying that, “I pledge to remain committed, passionate and resolute about the political, social-economic, human capacity and infrastructural development of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.”
In his short speech after the primary election, Honourable Yusuf said that “I express my warm appreciation to the leadership of our great party, members and distinguished delegates, for the confidence reposed in me, which culminated to my emergence as the flagbearer of our party.”
According to him, “I wish to reiterate my gratitude and solidarity with my fellow aspirants for their rare display of sportsmanship. I believe that my nomination as PDP’s flag-bearer, is a victory for all of us.”
, aspirants, party members and true lovers of resourceful, responsive representation and meaningful development in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
“I humbly call on all of us, including my fellow aspirants, to team up and bond together as one indivisible family to ensure that our great party wins the 2015 general election, at all levels.
“Today’s victory, which is for us all, is a further testimony to the spirit of dialogue, fair play, level playing field and inclusiveness that has been the hallmark of PDP; as the only true democratic party in Nigeria,” he stated.
Aloysious steps down for Akpabio, as Albert beats Ita Enang
Senator Aloysious Etok representing Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, on Sunday, stepped down from re-contesting the Senate seat, just as he publicly declared his support and endorsement for the candidature of Governor Godswill Akpabio.
Etok, who said his decision to step down for Akpabio was taken after serious consultations with his constituency and in the interest of peace and unity of the party, congratulated Akpabio on emergence as the party’s candidate.
Two other aspirants, Inibehe Okorie and Ekperikpe Ekpo, were conspicuously absent from the primaries, but it was gathered that they must have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to actualise their ambitions.
Speaking after his unanimous endorsement by the delegates, Akpabio thanked Etok for his decision to step down and also support his candidature, assuring him that he has earned his position of an elder by the action.
Incumbent senator, Lokpobiri, loses, as Bayelsa PDP elects standard-bearers
THE Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, on Sunday, lost his re-election bid as the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer to the former chairman of the Bayelsa State Scholarship Board, Foster Ogola.
At the end of the National Assembly primaries held at the College of Education, Sagbama, Evangelist Ogola, led other aspirants with 69 votes, while Senator Lokpobiri scored zero votes.
Announcing the result of the primaries, the Chief Returning Officer for the PDP Bayelsa –west senatorial primaries, Mr Oforji Oboku, disclosed, that 116 delegates were accredited for the primaries out of which 113 voted, while 3 votes were voided.
He declared that Ayakeme Whiskey had 27 votes, Dr Stella Dorgu got 3, Frank Akpoebi 2, Capt. Matthew Karimu had 12 votes, while Senator Heineken Lokpobiri scored zero votes.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Governor Seriake Dickson urged members of the PDP family to work together to ensure the emergence of credible representatives that would give effective support to the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.
While congratulating the contestants and delegates on their maturity and peaceful conduct, he also called on the political class across the country to listen to the voice of the people to ensure quality leadership.
His words: “I want to congratulate all the contestants and the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District and members of our party for transparent and all-inclusive primaries that have taken place.
“To me, the senatorial district has spoken and this is the time for political leaders and those who seek to lead to listen to the voice of the people.””
In his acceptance speech, Ogola expressed appreciation to the delegates and the people of his senatorial district for giving him the ticket and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.
Also speaking, the incumbent member representing the Sagbama/Ekeremor Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Stella Dorgu and a one-time Bayelsa State commissioner of lands and housing, Honourable Ayakeme Whiskey, all conceded defeat and pledged to work for the success of the PDP.
According to Dr Dorgu, “ as a loyal party person, I will do everything in my powers to always defend the PDP and come 2015, we will be there to vote for the party and for Mr President.
In his words, Honourable Whiskey said: I thank God and all stakeholders of our party for creating the congenial and peaceful atmosphere for the primaries. I’ve always craved for an atmosphere, where people will be allowed to express their fundamental human rights. Battles are not fought in just one day. Today, the people have spoken. We all part of the process and we saw clearly how the victor emerged and that is the rule of law.
Hitch-free exercise in Jigawa
THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primaries were conducted peacefully in all the three senatorial districts in Jigawa State.
Senator Abdulmumini Hassan was elected as the PDP candidate for Jigawa central senatorial district. He is seeking his re-election for the second term.
Senator Hassan won the party’s primaries with 291 votes.
Senator Danladi Abdullahi Sankara became the party’s flag bearer to represent Jigawa North West senatorial district with a total of 436 votes.
The serving Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Adamu Ahmed Sarawa, picked the ticket to represent Jigawa north east senatorial district with 327 votes.
4 Reps members from Benue lose tickets
Four members of the House of Representatives in Benue; Honourables Hassan Salleh, Mrs Christie Alaga, Benjamin Aboho and Samson Okwu representing Okpokwu/Ado/Ogbadibo, Gwer East/Gwer West, Kwande Ushongo and Oju/Obi federal constituencies respectively, lost their seats at the House of Representatives primaries of the PDP last Saturday.
The former media aide to Dovernor Gabriel Suswam, Dr Cletus Akwaya, was also floored by a female contestant, Mrs Nenna Shija, to pick the ticket for Vandeikiya/Konshsha federal constituency.
In Makurdi/Guma federal constituency, former commissioner for Land and Survey Honourable John Tondoo, defeated his opponent, Dickson Tarki with 69 votes against one.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the incumbent members lost to green horns while five members retained their seats.
Among those who retained their seat were; Emmanuel Udende (Ukum/Logo/Katsina Ala), Honourable Ezekiel Adaji (Otukpo/Ohinmini), Adamu Ohitunu (Apa/Agatu).
Tunji Braithwaite’s son loses
Olumide, son of pro-democracy activist, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, on Sunday, lost in the primary conducted by the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pick its Lagos Central Senatorial candidate for 2015 poll, as the ticket was won by Dr Ade Dosunmu, the party’s governorship candidate for the 2011 election.
The ticket was contested by Ade Dosunmu, Olumide Braithwaite and Hakeem Gbajabiamila, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship candidate for the 2007 election.
The exercise, which took place at the Gymnastics Hall of the National Stadium, was reported peaceful as security operatives ensured orderliness.
Dosunmu polled 130 votes to emerge winner, Braithwaite scored 7, while Gbajabiamila scored 83 to clinch the second position.
Urhoghide, Pascal Ugbome win, as Ugbesia, Idahosa lose tickets in Edo
IN the Edo Central senatorial district, Matthew Urhoghide defeated three-time House of Representatives member, Honourable West Idahosa, to pick the PDP ticket.
Urhoghide, who is the former publicity secretary of the PDP in the state, polled 127 votes while West-Idahosa scored 102 in the primary election that was conducted in Benin.
The contest in the Edo North district ended in victory for the erstwhile organising secretary of the Edo PDP, Pascal Ugbome, who recorded 86 votes.
The lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Honourable Abubakar Momoh, came second with 65 votes while Richard Lamai and Bobby Ikhazobor followed with 61 and 30 votes respectively.
The third term ambition of the senator representing Edo Central, Odion Ugbesia, ended at the primary election conducted in the Edo Central on Sunday as he lost to Clifford Ordia.
Ordia, who lost PDP primaries twice in 2007 and 2011 to Ugbesia, finally defeated him on Sunday, polling 141 votes as against the 61 scored by Senator Ugbesia.
Maccido gets automatic ticket in Sokoto
Senator Ahmad Maccido (representing Sokoto central senatorial zone), who is seeking re-election, has been granted automatic ticket in Sunday’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primary elections.
The PDP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, announced this while addressing newsmen in Sokoto.
“Maccido was actually given an automatic ticket by the party to contest for the Sokoto Central Senatorial zone seat.
“But, another member of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji, felt cheated and bought the party’s nomination form, although he withdrew from the race on December 5,’’ Milgoma said.
According to him, delegates from the eight local government areas that made up the zone will still conduct the exercise to ratify the decision.
Milgoma, however, stated that two aspirants would slug it out for the Sokoto East Senatorial zone ticket.
They are: Alhaji Dahiru Gandi and Alhaji Yushau Goronyo from Rabah and Goronyo local government areas, respectively.
He also said that four aspirants were contesting for the seat of the Sokoto South Senatorial zone.
They are: Ambassador. Chika Sarkin –Yaki; Alhaji Mahe Dange; Alhaji Kiryo Yabo and Ambassador Ladan Shuni.
“We have completed all necessary arrangements to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully across the state,” the chairman said.
Group rejects Senator Aziz, insists on ex-minister
A group, under the auspices of Coalition of Non Governmental Organisation and Youth Groups in Southern Kaduna, has rejected Senator Zigo Aziz of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the consensus governorship candidate of the people of southern Kaduna.
Senator Aziz, who is one of the five aspirants contesting for position of governor under the platform of PDP, was endorsed as the preferred aspirant of southern Kaduna people recently by group of elders and religious leaders in the area.
In a press statement signed by its chairman, Gideon Sayal, the group condemned what it termed, “Desperate Kangaroo arrangement by retired military officers and few clergymen that does not represent the direction and position of the good people of southern Kaduna.”
According to the statement, “the composition of the parties involved in the selection of Senator Zigo Aziz does not reflect the true stakeholders’ decision and will not be allowed to stand.”
However, the group debunked the rumours of any involvement in what it described as “undemocratic endorsement” of. Senator Aziz.
They called on the people of Southern Kaduna to reject Aziz and consider former aviation minister, Felix Hassan Hyet, who the group said was more experienced and popular.
PDP factions hold parallel primaries in A\Ibom
Some aggrieved aspirants have launched protests over what they described as discrepancies in the conduct of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives primaries in Akwa Ibom State.
From the party secretariat, along Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, the security forces drafted to ensure hitch-free polls had hectic time controlling the surging crowd, including thugs hired by some aspirants to protect their interests.
At the time of filing this report, the results of nine out of the 10 Federal Constituencies have emerged, amid complaints of irregularities and threats by some aspirants to petition Governor Godswill Akpabio over allegations of imposition of candidates and employment of fake delegates’ list for the contest.
For instance, in Itu\Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, violence was averted by security agencies when some political leaders of Ibiono Ibom, including the former Commissioner for Finance, Obong Bassey Albert, engaged his successor and kinsman, Mr. Akan Okon, from Itu Local Government, in altercation over who should collect the ballot materials meant for the Constituency.
Honourable Idongesit Ituen, former Transition Chairman of Itu and current candidate for Itu State Constituency in the coming House of Assembly elections had prevented Albert and Senator Ita Enang, also from Ibiono, from conveying the materials on their private SUV, for fear of being diverted in favour of their aspirants leading to a near fisticuff involving Albert and Okon.
“What makes you think you are better than me”, Albert had told Okon in the melee.
“Election must be kept on the ground”, one of the aggrieved aspirants had fumed at the PDP secretariat as premises became cantankerous immediately after materials were disbursed by the party chair, Obong Paul Ekpo, to the designated polling locations.
It took the intervention of Ekpo and Senator Anietie Okon, a PDP chieftain from Itu, for the matter to thaw before security operatives conveyed the materials to the Uyo Stadium, venue of the contest.
At the Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, there were parallel elections at the Ukana Mobile Police Base in Essien Udim and the Constituency office in Ikot Ekpene, where two candidates emerged after the polls.
While the governor’s choice, Honourable Emmanuel Akpan, emerged at the Ukana, Essien Udim centre, Honourable Saviour Udoh, the incumbent representative of the Federal Constituency was declared winner at the Ikot Ekpene centre.
Addressing Journalists yesterday, Udoh, who is seeking a return to the House, accused the Governor of using his personal delegates’ list to conduct the exercise at the Ukana Mobile Police Base, saying he also used the authentic list approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP, duly signed by the secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi, to staged a parallel poll at the Constituency.
At the Uyo township stadium venue of the election, the matter was said to have degenerated to full exchange of fisticuff between Albert and the current Commissioner for Finance, Okon, sparking off agitations from security forces attached to both officers.
In Ukanafun\Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Akpabio’s intervention also led to the emergence of the incumbent House of Representatives member, Hon. Emmanuel Ukoette, from Oruk Anam Local Government Area, forcing the people of Ukanafun to protest over what they described as “the Governor’s decision to flout the existing zoning arrangement in the Federal Constituency”.
Parallel primaries held in Enugu
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Sunday, emerged as the Enugu West Senatorial District candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for 2015 general elections.
Ekweremadu was elected unopposed following the withdrawal of Governor Sullivan Chime from the race. The primary was held at Awgu the Awgu Local Government headquarters in the presence of officials from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
Declaring Ekweremadu as winner, the Returning Officer, Innocent Agbo said that there were 315 delegates while 294 voted in affirmation in line with the electoral guidelines.
Agbo commended the party delegates for conducting themselves in an orderly manner, adding that the primary was transparent and free from rancour.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Ekweremadu said this was the first time, he was elected unopposed in his political career.
Ekweremadu said he was dedicating his victory to his former rival, stressing that their decision to put down their swords was in the interest of the state.
Meanwhile, there was melo-drama in Enugu east senatorial zone, Gilbert Emeka Nnaji was elected as the PDP candidate for the next year’s polls even as two other parallel primaries were held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium by Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo. Another contender, Frank Nweke also held his primary election at Ozalla.
The trio of Nnaji, Nwobodo and Nweke are claiming to be duly elected.
But the primaries where Nnaji emerged was witnessed by the Senator Manzo led PDP National Assembly election panel, representative of INEC and the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, who is the sole candidate for Enugu West senatorial zone among other top PDP chieftains in the state.
The primary election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere as the delegates cast their votes in an orderly manner.
Returning Officer for the election, Mr Ugulu O. Ugulu, after the exercise, announced that Senator Nnaji, a first-term senator winner with 231 votes out of the 247 accredited votes.
Mr Nwabueze Okafor came second with 3 votes, Everest Nnaji and Frank Nweke Jnr got 2 votes each while Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo, former Chief of Staff to Governor Sullivan Chime came last with one vote.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Nnaji expressed gratitude to God for the peaceful conduct of the primaries and for making it possible for him to win.
He said that a lot of people had believed that he would come back home from Abuja but God has proved them wrong.
He said that his election is a great challenge and promised to redouble his efforts in bringing democracy dividend to the people of the zone.
Nnaji recalled that during his first tenure he attracted a lot of Information and Communication Technology, ICT empowerment to the people especially the youths just as he made tremendous achievements in the area of education and human empowerment.
“I will never let you down, I will go back and make sure I give good and quality representation to you all at the Red Chamber,” he said.
Senator Ekweremadu, however, congratulated Nnaji and raised his hand up amidst cheers from the crowd, signifying his official endorsement.
The result of the Enugu North senatorial zone was being awaited as at the time of going to press.
Dogon Daji picks APC ticket for Tambuwal LGA
A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Honourable Abdussamad Dasuki, yesterday picked the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kebbe-Tambuwal Federal Constituency.
If, as expected, he wins the February 2015 election, he will succeed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who has been in the seat for the last eight years.
Dasuki, from Dogon Daji in Tambuwal LGA, was affirmed as the candidate of the constituency by 176 delegates from 21 wards in Kebbe and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The election, which took place at the Tambuwal Stadium, had in attendance political office holders from the constituency serving at both the state and the Federal levels.
Dasuki, a Harvard trained economist, is presently the chairman of Finance and Appropriation committee of the Sokoto House of Assembly.
Fayose’s ex-deputy, Raji-Rasaki, Faseyi emerge PDP candidates in Ekiti
A former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Abiodun Olujimi; a former first lady of Lagos and Ogun states, Mrs Fatima Raji-Rasaki and a two-time member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Duro Faseyi, have been announced as candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Senate in the coming general election.
Olujimi emerged candidate for Ekiti South; Rasaki was announced for Ekiti Central while Faseyi would flag the party’s flag in Ekiti North.
Feelers are however showing that Mr Lateef Ajijola has kicked over the result of the Central primary election while Senator Ayo Arise, who lost the ticket for Ekiti North said his next line of action would be determined by his supporters.
Arise, who said he was “a die-hard loyalist of President Goodluck Jonathan,” lost the North primary election to Faseyi, said to be the candidate of Governor Ayodele Fayose. Arise said: “I’m not worried about this loss. I’m just worried about my party because it is people that win elections. So, we are waiting to see what will happen. But I can tell you, judging from the elections that have taken place in this state in the last two weeks that there is a big problem on our hands in PDP.”
On his next move, Arise said “all options are on the table. I’m strong because of my supporters. If I say I want to leave and their interest is where they have been with me, then I must have to succumb to their wish. If I say I want to stay and their interest is somewhere else, then...”
Faseyi, however, said “nobody is a looser among all the aspirants that co-contested with him at the primary election,” saying “all other aspirants should please join hands for our party to succeed in the general election.”
According to him, “the contest was a healthy, credible, fair, transparent and interesting one,l and stated that “there was the need for other aspirants to join hands with whoever the people used their votes to elect in order to ensure overall victory.”
According to him, “we are brothers and members of the same family that is PDP, so we went to the poll just to play the game and now the winner has emerged, we come together again and focus on how to defeat our opponents at the general election for the benefit of all.”
Source: Tribune
The major contender to Benue South senatorial district, former permanent secretary, Ministry of Defence, during Abacha’s regime, Chif Mike Onoja, has stepped down for the Senate President, Senator David Mark.
Onoja announced his stepping down at thecommencement of the primaries held at the secretariat of Otukpo local government.
The retired civil servant hinged his stepping down to the endorsement of Mark by Idoma elders, adding that he was also endorsed by some elders of the area but submitted that the argument advanced by the elders, that Mark, who has been number three citizen of the nation, still have the opportunity of retaining his position.
Onoja noted that as a result of the superior argument and being a brother working for collective interest of the zone, he decided to step down for Mark, but regretted that the senate president did not respond to his statement at the time he conceived the idea of contesting, in which he consulted with him.The returning officer, who declared the result, explained that the primaries in the zone was on consensus basis, adding that the party also followed the rules by affirmation.
He however declared that Mark polled 384 and five votes voided.
In zone A, with the stepping down of former national chairman of PDP, Chief Barnabas Gemade, governor Gabriel Suswam who came as consensus candidate was also affirmed by the delegates.
Piece gathered from Zone B, also indicated that one time aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo, chief Mike Mku also won the primaries.
In his response, Mark applauded the maturity of Onoja and promised to work towards the development of the zone.
Gov Orji, Abaribe, picks Senate ticket as Chukwumerijie crashes
The result from the just- concluded National Assembly primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) produced Governor Theodore Orji of Abia state as its standard-bearer for Abia Central senatorial district, while the serving senator for Abia North, Senator Uche Chukwumerijie crashed out of the keenly contested race.
Other winners that emerged at the primaries include, the serving senator Enyinnaya, the senator representing Abia South Senatorial district, and Chief MAO Ohuabunwa, who defeated Chukwumerijie to pick the Abia North Senatorial ticket.
Announcing the result for Abia Central, the returning officer for the primary, Chief Ndidi Okereke, said Governor Orji, who was the only aspirant to stand for the senatorial primary, held at the Umuahia township Stadium, on Sunday, polled 221 votes out of the 222 Statutory and Ad-hoc delegates votes while one vote was voided.
In his acceptance speech after being declared winner, Governor Orji thanked members of the Party for their confidence and trust reposed in him, having collectively purchased the PDP Senatorial nomination form for him.
“By what has happened today, democracy has been enhanced because it was transparent and I wish that all elections will be like this in Abia.
“When I go to the Senate, I will see myself as representing my people; my mission at the Senate will be on my people from Abia Central and the entire State. However, in the House of Representatives primaries held on Saturday, four serving House members won in the exercise to pick the party’s ticket while four lost out in the race.
Those who secured the tickets of the party to contest in the 2015 election include, Honourable (Mrs) Nkiruka Onyejeocha for Ummunnochi/Isuikwuato federal Constituency, Nnenna Ukeje for Bende Federal Constituency, Honourable Uzo Azubuike for Aba North/South Federal Constituency and Chief Uzoma Nkem Abonta for Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency.
Others who won to displace the other four serving federal legislators include, Chief Uko Nkole, whose emergence saw to the withdrawal of the serving member for Arochukwu/Ohafia, Honourable Arua Arunsi, Chief Sam Onuigbo beat the incumbent Honourable Oluchi Ibeji, who represents Ikwuano Umuahia federal consituency, Honourable Darlington Nwokocha, presently representing Isiala Nwa South State constituency forced the serving federal lawmaker representing Isiala North/South federal constituency, on Chineye Ike, to bow out of the race while in Obingwa/Osisioma/
Oduah picks Anambra PDP senatorial ticket
The immediate past Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Anambra Senatorial seat.
In a result announced in Nteje, Anambra State, Sunday, Ms Oduah polled 259 votes to defeat Margery Okadigbo, the incumbent, and wife of former Senate president, Chuba Okadigbo.
Mrs Okadigbo got eight votes.
Other contestants for the ticket included Sam Ikefuna, 10 votes; and John Emeka, 15 votes.
The former minister, who picked the party’s nomination form last October, got almost 90 per cent of the total votes cast by delegates.
Owan-Enoh floors Ndoma-Egba in Cross River •I’ll appeal —Ndoma-Egba
MEMBER representing Etung/Obubra federal constituency of Cross River State, Honourable John Owan-Enoh, on Sunday, defeated the Senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, to clinch the Central senatorial district’s ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Central senatorial district primaries, held at the council headquarters in Ikom Local Government Area of the state, saw Owan-Enoh polling 217 votes to defeat his two opponents, the incumbent Senator Ndoma-Egba, who scored 37 votes and Ambassador Mark Egbe, who got 20 votes.
The returning officer, Mr Oko Inaku, while announcing the result, said the process was free and fair.
“The total vote cast is 276, total number of invalid votes is two. The contestants’ votes are: Owan-Enoh 217 votes; Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, 37 votes and Ambassador Mark Egbe, 20 votes.
“As part of the constitution of our party, I hereby declare Honourable John Owan-Enoh the winner of the Central senatorial district primaries,” he said.
Addressing journalists after the exercise, Owan-Enoh said the people of the Central senatorial district had made a strong statement about their future and thanked them for the confidence reposed in him.
Reacting, Ndoma-Egba rejected the result, adding in a statement on Sunday that there were irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.
“The process didn’t meet the basic integrity test for primaries. It certainly was not a true reflection of the wishes of the people.
“This isn’t even about the people. There were certain fundamentals with this election; the materials were not even shown, the list of delegates were not shown either.
“I reject the outcome of the exercise and I will appeal against it,” he said.
Kashamu emerges Ogun PDP senatorial candidate
FINANCIER of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, on Sunday, emerged the candidate of Ogun East senatorial district of the party.
Kashamu, who is the chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of the party in the South-West, clinched the ticket, having defeated two other aspirants, Honourable Daisi Akintan and Mrs Temitayo Oriola with 365 votes.
The election, having delegates from the nine local government areas in the district, was held at an event centre in Ijebu-Ode, amid tight security.
This came as former commissioner for Agriculture during the administration of Chief Gbenga Daniel, Mr Waliu Lai Taiwo, won with 191 votes to clinch the ticket in Ogun West senatorial district, having defeated four other aspirants.
However, the state executive committee of the party, under the chairmanship of Mr Bayo Dayo, had to postpone primaries in Ogun Central senatorial district, due to tension that arose among the delegates of the two aspirants contesting for the post, Honourable. Lanre Laoshe and Dr (Mrs) Abisola Sodipo-Clark.
When contacted, the state secretary of the party, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, told the Nigerian Tribune that the party leadership considered it necessary to shift the election till tomorrow, to forestall breakdown of law and order.
He said leaders of the party from Egba would hold a meeting with the two aspirants in Abeokuta.
Smart Adeyemi wins again
THE senator representing Kogi West senatorial district at the National Assembly, Smart Adeyemi, won the primaries on Sunday, to contest for another term in 2015.
Adeyemi, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, defeated his usual opponent, Joseph Faniyi, by polling 216 votes against 77 polled by Faniyi, who had contested but lost against him three times.
Declaring the result of the election conducted at Kabba, the returning officer, Segun Ogbonikan, said Senator Adeyemi pulled 216 votes out of the 296 total votes cast.
Senator Adeyemi told newsmen after he was declared the winner that the result was in line with his quality representation which he had provided for the people at the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
He informed that the victory would spur him to do more and enable him to reach out to many people and touch their lives as their representative.
Also, the incumbent member of the House of Representatives in Yagba federal constituency Honourable Sunday Karimi, won the primaries held in Kabba.
Honourable Tajudeen Yussuf, representing Kabba Bunu /Ijumu federal constituency, also won in the primaries
In Idah federal constituency, former state secretary of PDP, Emmanuel Egwu, defeated the incumbent member of House of Representatives, Honourable Sumaila Ina Hussein.
Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area and Kogi State chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Aloysius Okino, emerged the candidate for Ajaokuta federal constituency.
He defeated the current member of the House of Representatives, Muhammed Asema Sadiq.
Two other incumbents, Honourable Tom Zakari, representing Dekina/Bassa and Honourable Sadiq Asema of Ajaokuta federal constituencies, also lost their elections.
However, the second term ambition of the son of former governor of the state, Muhammed Idris, suffered a setback, as armed youths believed to be loyal to his major opponent, Abdullaihi Ibrahim, disrupted the election as a result of alleged change of delegate list.
How Delta North lost to Urhobo
THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primaries in Delta State may see all candidates from Delta North licking wounds of their defeat, with David Edevbie, an Harvard-trained Urhobo man, poised to win the keenly sought-after party flag.
Edevbie is a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in the state and former Principal Secretary to the late President Umar Yar’ Adua.
According to feelers from the party hierarchy, Delta North and Central groups had closed ranks and will today line up behind Edevbie.
While the Delta North aspirants could not speak with one voice, the influential Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) was able to persuade its five sons to step down for Edevbie.
The former commissioner’s chances at today’s primaries may have further been boosted by the support of loyalists of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Nigerian Tribune investigation also revealed that though the incumbent governor had consistently maintained that he remained neutral and would support whoever emerged at the primaries, those close to him said Edevbie was actually his Plan B, the ace he had kept up his sleeve in case the Delta North aspirants failed to find a consensus.
Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, is also reported to be excited about the choice of Edevbie.
A member of the inner caucus of the Delta state PDP told the Nigerian Tribune that “it is unfortunate that despite the goodwill Delta North has enjoyed this far, all the candidates have stuck to their guns, refusing to pick one among them and queue behind him.
“Right from the beginning, it was obvious that the other groups were more politically savvy than the candidates from Delta North. We appealed to them to close ranks so the slot does not go to another group, but they were too busy playing big men to do what is right. Now, they may have lost out.”
The source further hinted that one of the factors that may have worked against the Delta North aspirants was their consistent attack on Governor Uduaghan.
“While the other groups were working to get the party flag, some of the Delta North aspirants were all over the place blackmailing the governor and accusing him of all kinds of sins.
“The energy they should have deployed into getting the flag have been dissipated on vilifying the governor. They were so close to getting this flag, but I think their egos got in the way and since only one man can win, whoever wins today will get the support of the system,” the source said.
Delta State deputy governor and governorship aspirant, Professor Amos Utuama, has withdrawn from the primaries.
Utuama, earlier favoured to dislodge other aspirants, has, therefore, thrown his weight behind a fellow Urhobo, Chief Edevbie.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, Augustine Avwode, Utuama explained that his decision followed the choice of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) to present Chief Edevbie as the sole PDP’s aspirant from the Delta Central senatorial district.
Meanwhile, incumbent senator representing Delta South senatorial district, Mr James Manager, has won the primaries for the senatorial district’s ticket.
Manager scored 291 votes to defeat AVM Terry Okorodudu (retd), who polled 13 votes at the Warri township stadium on Sunday.
Voting materials arrived at about 2:16 p.m and accreditation of delegates started at about 3.00p.m.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, who recently announced his withdrawal from the senatorial race, citing security reasons, voted at 3:36 p.m, while Manager voted at 3:42 p.m.
Serving senator, Reps member, others emerge in Nasarawa
A serving senator, representing Nasarawa South senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Suleiman Adokwe, on Sunday, again emerged winner during the party‘s primaries for 2015 senatorial election in Nasarawa State.
He polled 164 to defeat Bala Zakari who scored 46 votes.
Chairman of the electoral committee, Augustine Agube, who announced the results, said: “Having secured the highest number of votes and scored 163, Suleiman Adokwe is hereby declared the winner of the primaries.”
Meanwhile, member of the green carpet in the National Assembly, representing Obi/Lafia constituency, Honourable Haruna Kigbu, also defeated the state deputy speaker, Honourable Elisha Agwadu, as well as Sidi Bako and Obed Joseph at just concluded primaries for the House of Representatives, at the weekend.
Kigbu scored 48, while Agwadu, Bako and Joseph polled 22, 18 and one votes respectively.
Rivers elders insist on zoning arrangement
EVEN as the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holds its governorship primaries today, elders in the state are still confident that the national leadership will bow to the call for the arrangement of the governorship seat.
This was even as a source disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan may not yield to pressure from some quarters to drop Chief Nyesom Wike as the likely governorship candidate of the party in the state.
A pressure group in the party, said to include Chief Edwin Clark and Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, had been on the president’s neck to persuade the former Minister of State for Education to drop his ambition.
However, Jonathan was said to have had told the PDP elders to prove it to him who else had worked more than Wike to ensure the continued existence of the party in Rivers.
In spite of the stand of the president, some elders of the party, under the aegis of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders’ Council, on Sunday evening, demanded that the governorship position be zoned to either the riverine area or to the Ogoni people in the state.
Chairman of the council, Chief Albert Horsefall, said though the PDP in the state would conduct its governorship primaries today (Monday), he was optimistic that the national leadership of the party would do the right thing by zoning the governorship position to the riverine area or Ogoni.
Oyo PDP holds governorship primaries today
THE protracted crisis rocking the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appeared to have been resolved, as the party is set to join its contemporaries across the country to conduct the governorship primary today.
The primary election, scheduled to begin by 10:00a.m. at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan, will have as participants only the statutory delegates of the party, which included: members of the PDP Board of Trustees; members of the National and State Assemblies; the 25 members of the state executive of the party and the party chairman, secretary, youth leader, woman leader and treasurer of the 33 local governments in the state.
Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that efforts were on, as of the time of filing this report, to ensure that former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, emerged as a consensus candidate, with former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and Mr Seyi Makinde, who were the closest contenders, said to be offered a ministerial appointment and the party’s Oyo South senatorial ticket, respectively.
A source who spoke on a condition of anonymity said “a meeting is on as we speak (4.30p.m on Sunday) to conclude how Alao-Akala and others will be pacified. The former governor is primed to take over as Minister of State for Defence while Senator Ayoade Adeseun and Makinde will be offered the Oyo Central and Oyo South senatorial tickets respectively,” the source said.
It will be recalled that the party had been enmeshed in serious crisis over the adhoc ward delegates’ congress, with two attempts to elect delegates that will form the electoral college of the party to elect its standard bearers for the House of Assembly, National Assembly and governorship posts, unsuccessful as allegations of irregularities marred the process.
One of the governorship aspirants, Mr Seyi Makinde got a court order, on Friday, that the list of delegates produced by the 24 November, 2014 delegates congress, must be used for the party’s primaries, this is just as the camp of another aspirant and former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, insisted of having secured an order earlier that only reports, results and congress authorised by the Yinka Taiwo-led executive should be recognised by the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The state executive had reportedly endorsed the congress list submitted by the chairman of the congress panel, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong and his secretary, Ndoma Egodo, while the remaining three members of the panel dissented and approved a list said to have favoured Makinde, which was validated by Justice E.S. Chukwu of the Abuja Federal High Court, on Friday.
Our sister publication, Sunday Tribune, had exclusively reported that the two courts orders had created a dilemma for the national leadership of the party, which tried in vain for weeks to resolve the crisis in the party and choose a candidate for the governorship election.
Several meetings held with the chairman of the South-West PDP Integration Panel, Senate President David Mark and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party ended in stalemate, as former Governor Alao-Akala and Folarin camps, among others, stuck to their guns, while all the other aspirants reportedly insisted on primaries.
One of the efforts to resolve the crisis, the Nigerian Tribune gathered, was a suggestion that the 33 local governments of the state should be shared to the 10 governorship aspirants, National Assembly members and party leaders. But no sooner had this been done than it was clear that it would fail, with a source close to the Alao-Akala camp telling the Nigerian Tribune in confidence that the camp would pull out of the party, while other camps were also said to be watching how the development would favour them before it finally collapsed.
However, the party could not conduct the House of Assembly and National Assembly primaries, following the logjam occasioned by the botched delegates’ congress of 1 November and 24 November, 2014, respectively, as aspirants traded blames for the failure of the congress.
This development, it was reported, had left the leadership of the party in a fix as to how to resolve the conundrum in the party, with sources at the Abuja meetings insisting that the party could not meet the INEC deadline of 11 December for the conclusion of primaries.
But in a dramatic twist, the party announced that its primary will hold today, with the chairman of the party, Yinka Taiwo, insisting that there was no crisis in the party, noting that democracy “is all about dialogue and that is what we have doing so far. I am bold to tell you that internal democracy is an important feature of the PDP and we are going to demonstrate that today.”
However, when asked if the party would not go up in flames given the resolution of the 10 aspirants not to step down, Taiwo said the party would resolve the issues.
He declined comments on whether the party would have a sole candidate or not and also said he was in no position to comment on whatever options being considered to resolve the situation by the national leadership, making reference to the claims that Alao-Akala and others will be offered other posts.
Makarfi returns unopposed
Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the senator representing Kaduna-North Senatorial District, has been returned as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer in the 2015 senatorial election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Makarfi was adopted as sole candidate after his rival, Umar Faruk, withdrew from the contest following consensus arrangement made a day prior to the party’s primary in Kaduna State.
Declaring the result, Alhaji Ahmed Tahir, Chairman, PDP electoral committee, said: “Makarfi is the only contestant, however, based on PDP requirement, an election must hold to fulfill such requirement.
“Haven counted all the votes cast, Makarfi got 333 votes indicating that he polled all the votes cast which gives him the opportunity to become the flag-bearer of PDP.
“Therefore, by the authority conferred on me as the chairman of this election, I hereby declare Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as the PDP flag-bearer,” Tahir said.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote, Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State, advised delegates and party loyalists to remain calm and obey constituted authorities.
He also called on the people of the state to be orderly and do everything possible to ensure the success of the party in the 2015 general election.
Governor Jang, Dariye pick senatorial tickets
Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang and Senator Joshua Dariye, on Sunday, picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial tickets for Plateau North and Plateau South, respectively while the result of Plateau North is being awaited.
Governor Jang defeated his only opponent in the primary election, Ambassdor Ibrahim Kassai, with a wide margin of 273 against 18 votes while Jang said he would pursue his senatorial ambition like a trained soldier in 2015.
Speaking shortly after his victory, Gov Jang said, “I remain grateful to these delegates and I promised to serve them and uplift people of my senatorial zone just as they lifted me today.”
In the Plateau Central, the incumbent Senator Joshua Dariye defeated a member of House of Representatives, Honourable Emmanuel Goar and his former political aide, Mr Alexander Molwus, to pick the senatorial ticket.
Fadahunsi, Akinlabi, Aina emerge Osun PDP senatorial candidates
THE chairman of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Chief Francis Fadahunshi and former minister of Youth Development, Senator Rasheed Olasunkanmi Akinlabi and Chief Oluwole Oludaisi Aina, on Sunday, emerged as senatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the three senatorial districts of Osun State.
Fadahunshi emerged as the PDP’s standard bearer for Osun East Senatorial District, while Aina won the ticket for Osun Central Senatorial District.
Former minister of Youth Affairs, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, had earlier been unanimously adopted as PDP candidate for Osun West Senatorial District.
At the primary election held on Saturday, Fadahunshi, a retired deputy comptroller general of Nigeria Custom Service, defeated the former chairman of the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Chief (Mrs) Remi Olowu by 266 votes to 116, to clinch PDP ticket for Osun East.
For Osun Central, Aina polled 252 votes to defeat Mr Kunle Alao, who secured 151 votes.
Speaking shortly after being declared winner of the primary election, Fadahunshi commended leadership of the party for providing level play ground for all aspirants, stressing that his emergence through a democratic process indicated the readiness of PDP to excel in 2015 poll.
He called for more dedication by the party members and assured of his preparedness to provide quality representation, if elected senator.
In his remark, the state chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, commended members of the party for exhibiting decorum and discipline during the exercise, just as he expressed optimism that his party would win all the three senatorial seats in February 2015 National Assembly poll.
Parallel primaries in Ondo
Parallel primaries were conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State into the three senatorial districts of the state.
In the central senatorial district, the faction of the new state executive council returned the incumbent, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, while the faction of the old PDP elected an Akure indigene, Olusola Agbesua.
Members of the party and delegates were seen as early 9:00a.m. at the capital city, Akure, where the exercise was conducted and Agbesua emerged as the party’s candidate.
It was gathered that another aspirant vying for the senatorial ticket with Agbesua, Ife Adedipe, decided to withdraw from the race.
Speaking after the primary, Agbesua described the exercise as peaceful, saying the primaries were conducted in line with the party’s guidelines and constitution.
He called on the governor of the state, Olusegun Mimiko who is regarded as the leaders of the party in the state, to amicably settle the two factions to ensure victory for the party during the next year’s elections.
At the northern senatorial district, the faction of the recognised state executive produced Dr Bode Olajumoke, while the other faction elected Dr Olu Agunloye.
Also, a former Commissioner for Works in the state, Yele Omogunwa, was elected by the faction of the state executive.
However, the primaries of the party in the Southern Senatorial Districts by the old PDP faction was still on as at the time of filing this report but it was gathered that five aspirants were jostling for the ticket.
The aspirants included, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, Abayomi Sheaba, Bamidele Akingboye and Olakunrin.
The officials of INEC and security agents were said to be present at the venue of the two exercises.
Kogi federal lawmaker wins PDP return ticket
Vice Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Honourable Tajudeen Yusuf, on Saturday, won Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary to represent Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency of Kogi State for second term in the 2015 election.
The lawmaker, who polled 51 votes while other two candidates that contested against him, Honourable Jethro Funsho and Omolade Ibikunle, scored 37 and 23 votes respectively.
Yusuf pledged to re-dedicate himself to responsive, responsible and resourceful representation of the constituency, saying that, “I pledge to remain committed, passionate and resolute about the political, social-economic, human capacity and infrastructural development of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.”
In his short speech after the primary election, Honourable Yusuf said that “I express my warm appreciation to the leadership of our great party, members and distinguished delegates, for the confidence reposed in me, which culminated to my emergence as the flagbearer of our party.”
According to him, “I wish to reiterate my gratitude and solidarity with my fellow aspirants for their rare display of sportsmanship. I believe that my nomination as PDP’s flag-bearer, is a victory for all of us.”
, aspirants, party members and true lovers of resourceful, responsive representation and meaningful development in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
“I humbly call on all of us, including my fellow aspirants, to team up and bond together as one indivisible family to ensure that our great party wins the 2015 general election, at all levels.
“Today’s victory, which is for us all, is a further testimony to the spirit of dialogue, fair play, level playing field and inclusiveness that has been the hallmark of PDP; as the only true democratic party in Nigeria,” he stated.
Aloysious steps down for Akpabio, as Albert beats Ita Enang
Senator Aloysious Etok representing Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, on Sunday, stepped down from re-contesting the Senate seat, just as he publicly declared his support and endorsement for the candidature of Governor Godswill Akpabio.
Etok, who said his decision to step down for Akpabio was taken after serious consultations with his constituency and in the interest of peace and unity of the party, congratulated Akpabio on emergence as the party’s candidate.
Two other aspirants, Inibehe Okorie and Ekperikpe Ekpo, were conspicuously absent from the primaries, but it was gathered that they must have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to actualise their ambitions.
Speaking after his unanimous endorsement by the delegates, Akpabio thanked Etok for his decision to step down and also support his candidature, assuring him that he has earned his position of an elder by the action.
Incumbent senator, Lokpobiri, loses, as Bayelsa PDP elects standard-bearers
THE Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, on Sunday, lost his re-election bid as the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer to the former chairman of the Bayelsa State Scholarship Board, Foster Ogola.
At the end of the National Assembly primaries held at the College of Education, Sagbama, Evangelist Ogola, led other aspirants with 69 votes, while Senator Lokpobiri scored zero votes.
Announcing the result of the primaries, the Chief Returning Officer for the PDP Bayelsa –west senatorial primaries, Mr Oforji Oboku, disclosed, that 116 delegates were accredited for the primaries out of which 113 voted, while 3 votes were voided.
He declared that Ayakeme Whiskey had 27 votes, Dr Stella Dorgu got 3, Frank Akpoebi 2, Capt. Matthew Karimu had 12 votes, while Senator Heineken Lokpobiri scored zero votes.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Governor Seriake Dickson urged members of the PDP family to work together to ensure the emergence of credible representatives that would give effective support to the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.
While congratulating the contestants and delegates on their maturity and peaceful conduct, he also called on the political class across the country to listen to the voice of the people to ensure quality leadership.
His words: “I want to congratulate all the contestants and the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District and members of our party for transparent and all-inclusive primaries that have taken place.
“To me, the senatorial district has spoken and this is the time for political leaders and those who seek to lead to listen to the voice of the people.””
In his acceptance speech, Ogola expressed appreciation to the delegates and the people of his senatorial district for giving him the ticket and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.
Also speaking, the incumbent member representing the Sagbama/Ekeremor Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Stella Dorgu and a one-time Bayelsa State commissioner of lands and housing, Honourable Ayakeme Whiskey, all conceded defeat and pledged to work for the success of the PDP.
According to Dr Dorgu, “ as a loyal party person, I will do everything in my powers to always defend the PDP and come 2015, we will be there to vote for the party and for Mr President.
In his words, Honourable Whiskey said: I thank God and all stakeholders of our party for creating the congenial and peaceful atmosphere for the primaries. I’ve always craved for an atmosphere, where people will be allowed to express their fundamental human rights. Battles are not fought in just one day. Today, the people have spoken. We all part of the process and we saw clearly how the victor emerged and that is the rule of law.
Hitch-free exercise in Jigawa
THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primaries were conducted peacefully in all the three senatorial districts in Jigawa State.
Senator Abdulmumini Hassan was elected as the PDP candidate for Jigawa central senatorial district. He is seeking his re-election for the second term.
Senator Hassan won the party’s primaries with 291 votes.
Senator Danladi Abdullahi Sankara became the party’s flag bearer to represent Jigawa North West senatorial district with a total of 436 votes.
The serving Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Adamu Ahmed Sarawa, picked the ticket to represent Jigawa north east senatorial district with 327 votes.
4 Reps members from Benue lose tickets
Four members of the House of Representatives in Benue; Honourables Hassan Salleh, Mrs Christie Alaga, Benjamin Aboho and Samson Okwu representing Okpokwu/Ado/Ogbadibo, Gwer East/Gwer West, Kwande Ushongo and Oju/Obi federal constituencies respectively, lost their seats at the House of Representatives primaries of the PDP last Saturday.
The former media aide to Dovernor Gabriel Suswam, Dr Cletus Akwaya, was also floored by a female contestant, Mrs Nenna Shija, to pick the ticket for Vandeikiya/Konshsha federal constituency.
In Makurdi/Guma federal constituency, former commissioner for Land and Survey Honourable John Tondoo, defeated his opponent, Dickson Tarki with 69 votes against one.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the incumbent members lost to green horns while five members retained their seats.
Among those who retained their seat were; Emmanuel Udende (Ukum/Logo/Katsina Ala), Honourable Ezekiel Adaji (Otukpo/Ohinmini), Adamu Ohitunu (Apa/Agatu).
Tunji Braithwaite’s son loses
Olumide, son of pro-democracy activist, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, on Sunday, lost in the primary conducted by the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pick its Lagos Central Senatorial candidate for 2015 poll, as the ticket was won by Dr Ade Dosunmu, the party’s governorship candidate for the 2011 election.
The ticket was contested by Ade Dosunmu, Olumide Braithwaite and Hakeem Gbajabiamila, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship candidate for the 2007 election.
The exercise, which took place at the Gymnastics Hall of the National Stadium, was reported peaceful as security operatives ensured orderliness.
Dosunmu polled 130 votes to emerge winner, Braithwaite scored 7, while Gbajabiamila scored 83 to clinch the second position.
Urhoghide, Pascal Ugbome win, as Ugbesia, Idahosa lose tickets in Edo
IN the Edo Central senatorial district, Matthew Urhoghide defeated three-time House of Representatives member, Honourable West Idahosa, to pick the PDP ticket.
Urhoghide, who is the former publicity secretary of the PDP in the state, polled 127 votes while West-Idahosa scored 102 in the primary election that was conducted in Benin.
The contest in the Edo North district ended in victory for the erstwhile organising secretary of the Edo PDP, Pascal Ugbome, who recorded 86 votes.
The lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Honourable Abubakar Momoh, came second with 65 votes while Richard Lamai and Bobby Ikhazobor followed with 61 and 30 votes respectively.
The third term ambition of the senator representing Edo Central, Odion Ugbesia, ended at the primary election conducted in the Edo Central on Sunday as he lost to Clifford Ordia.
Ordia, who lost PDP primaries twice in 2007 and 2011 to Ugbesia, finally defeated him on Sunday, polling 141 votes as against the 61 scored by Senator Ugbesia.
Maccido gets automatic ticket in Sokoto
Senator Ahmad Maccido (representing Sokoto central senatorial zone), who is seeking re-election, has been granted automatic ticket in Sunday’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primary elections.
The PDP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, announced this while addressing newsmen in Sokoto.
“Maccido was actually given an automatic ticket by the party to contest for the Sokoto Central Senatorial zone seat.
“But, another member of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji, felt cheated and bought the party’s nomination form, although he withdrew from the race on December 5,’’ Milgoma said.
According to him, delegates from the eight local government areas that made up the zone will still conduct the exercise to ratify the decision.
Milgoma, however, stated that two aspirants would slug it out for the Sokoto East Senatorial zone ticket.
They are: Alhaji Dahiru Gandi and Alhaji Yushau Goronyo from Rabah and Goronyo local government areas, respectively.
He also said that four aspirants were contesting for the seat of the Sokoto South Senatorial zone.
They are: Ambassador. Chika Sarkin –Yaki; Alhaji Mahe Dange; Alhaji Kiryo Yabo and Ambassador Ladan Shuni.
“We have completed all necessary arrangements to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully across the state,” the chairman said.
Group rejects Senator Aziz, insists on ex-minister
A group, under the auspices of Coalition of Non Governmental Organisation and Youth Groups in Southern Kaduna, has rejected Senator Zigo Aziz of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the consensus governorship candidate of the people of southern Kaduna.
Senator Aziz, who is one of the five aspirants contesting for position of governor under the platform of PDP, was endorsed as the preferred aspirant of southern Kaduna people recently by group of elders and religious leaders in the area.
In a press statement signed by its chairman, Gideon Sayal, the group condemned what it termed, “Desperate Kangaroo arrangement by retired military officers and few clergymen that does not represent the direction and position of the good people of southern Kaduna.”
According to the statement, “the composition of the parties involved in the selection of Senator Zigo Aziz does not reflect the true stakeholders’ decision and will not be allowed to stand.”
However, the group debunked the rumours of any involvement in what it described as “undemocratic endorsement” of. Senator Aziz.
They called on the people of Southern Kaduna to reject Aziz and consider former aviation minister, Felix Hassan Hyet, who the group said was more experienced and popular.
PDP factions hold parallel primaries in A\Ibom
Some aggrieved aspirants have launched protests over what they described as discrepancies in the conduct of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives primaries in Akwa Ibom State.
From the party secretariat, along Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, the security forces drafted to ensure hitch-free polls had hectic time controlling the surging crowd, including thugs hired by some aspirants to protect their interests.
At the time of filing this report, the results of nine out of the 10 Federal Constituencies have emerged, amid complaints of irregularities and threats by some aspirants to petition Governor Godswill Akpabio over allegations of imposition of candidates and employment of fake delegates’ list for the contest.
For instance, in Itu\Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, violence was averted by security agencies when some political leaders of Ibiono Ibom, including the former Commissioner for Finance, Obong Bassey Albert, engaged his successor and kinsman, Mr. Akan Okon, from Itu Local Government, in altercation over who should collect the ballot materials meant for the Constituency.
Honourable Idongesit Ituen, former Transition Chairman of Itu and current candidate for Itu State Constituency in the coming House of Assembly elections had prevented Albert and Senator Ita Enang, also from Ibiono, from conveying the materials on their private SUV, for fear of being diverted in favour of their aspirants leading to a near fisticuff involving Albert and Okon.
“What makes you think you are better than me”, Albert had told Okon in the melee.
“Election must be kept on the ground”, one of the aggrieved aspirants had fumed at the PDP secretariat as premises became cantankerous immediately after materials were disbursed by the party chair, Obong Paul Ekpo, to the designated polling locations.
It took the intervention of Ekpo and Senator Anietie Okon, a PDP chieftain from Itu, for the matter to thaw before security operatives conveyed the materials to the Uyo Stadium, venue of the contest.
At the Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, there were parallel elections at the Ukana Mobile Police Base in Essien Udim and the Constituency office in Ikot Ekpene, where two candidates emerged after the polls.
While the governor’s choice, Honourable Emmanuel Akpan, emerged at the Ukana, Essien Udim centre, Honourable Saviour Udoh, the incumbent representative of the Federal Constituency was declared winner at the Ikot Ekpene centre.
Addressing Journalists yesterday, Udoh, who is seeking a return to the House, accused the Governor of using his personal delegates’ list to conduct the exercise at the Ukana Mobile Police Base, saying he also used the authentic list approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP, duly signed by the secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi, to staged a parallel poll at the Constituency.
At the Uyo township stadium venue of the election, the matter was said to have degenerated to full exchange of fisticuff between Albert and the current Commissioner for Finance, Okon, sparking off agitations from security forces attached to both officers.
In Ukanafun\Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Akpabio’s intervention also led to the emergence of the incumbent House of Representatives member, Hon. Emmanuel Ukoette, from Oruk Anam Local Government Area, forcing the people of Ukanafun to protest over what they described as “the Governor’s decision to flout the existing zoning arrangement in the Federal Constituency”.
Parallel primaries held in Enugu
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Sunday, emerged as the Enugu West Senatorial District candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for 2015 general elections.
Ekweremadu was elected unopposed following the withdrawal of Governor Sullivan Chime from the race. The primary was held at Awgu the Awgu Local Government headquarters in the presence of officials from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
Declaring Ekweremadu as winner, the Returning Officer, Innocent Agbo said that there were 315 delegates while 294 voted in affirmation in line with the electoral guidelines.
Agbo commended the party delegates for conducting themselves in an orderly manner, adding that the primary was transparent and free from rancour.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Ekweremadu said this was the first time, he was elected unopposed in his political career.
Ekweremadu said he was dedicating his victory to his former rival, stressing that their decision to put down their swords was in the interest of the state.
Meanwhile, there was melo-drama in Enugu east senatorial zone, Gilbert Emeka Nnaji was elected as the PDP candidate for the next year’s polls even as two other parallel primaries were held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium by Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo. Another contender, Frank Nweke also held his primary election at Ozalla.
The trio of Nnaji, Nwobodo and Nweke are claiming to be duly elected.
But the primaries where Nnaji emerged was witnessed by the Senator Manzo led PDP National Assembly election panel, representative of INEC and the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, who is the sole candidate for Enugu West senatorial zone among other top PDP chieftains in the state.
The primary election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere as the delegates cast their votes in an orderly manner.
Returning Officer for the election, Mr Ugulu O. Ugulu, after the exercise, announced that Senator Nnaji, a first-term senator winner with 231 votes out of the 247 accredited votes.
Mr Nwabueze Okafor came second with 3 votes, Everest Nnaji and Frank Nweke Jnr got 2 votes each while Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo, former Chief of Staff to Governor Sullivan Chime came last with one vote.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Nnaji expressed gratitude to God for the peaceful conduct of the primaries and for making it possible for him to win.
He said that a lot of people had believed that he would come back home from Abuja but God has proved them wrong.
He said that his election is a great challenge and promised to redouble his efforts in bringing democracy dividend to the people of the zone.
Nnaji recalled that during his first tenure he attracted a lot of Information and Communication Technology, ICT empowerment to the people especially the youths just as he made tremendous achievements in the area of education and human empowerment.
“I will never let you down, I will go back and make sure I give good and quality representation to you all at the Red Chamber,” he said.
Senator Ekweremadu, however, congratulated Nnaji and raised his hand up amidst cheers from the crowd, signifying his official endorsement.
The result of the Enugu North senatorial zone was being awaited as at the time of going to press.
Dogon Daji picks APC ticket for Tambuwal LGA
A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Honourable Abdussamad Dasuki, yesterday picked the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kebbe-Tambuwal Federal Constituency.
If, as expected, he wins the February 2015 election, he will succeed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who has been in the seat for the last eight years.
Dasuki, from Dogon Daji in Tambuwal LGA, was affirmed as the candidate of the constituency by 176 delegates from 21 wards in Kebbe and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The election, which took place at the Tambuwal Stadium, had in attendance political office holders from the constituency serving at both the state and the Federal levels.
Dasuki, a Harvard trained economist, is presently the chairman of Finance and Appropriation committee of the Sokoto House of Assembly.
Fayose’s ex-deputy, Raji-Rasaki, Faseyi emerge PDP candidates in Ekiti
A former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Abiodun Olujimi; a former first lady of Lagos and Ogun states, Mrs Fatima Raji-Rasaki and a two-time member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Duro Faseyi, have been announced as candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Senate in the coming general election.
Olujimi emerged candidate for Ekiti South; Rasaki was announced for Ekiti Central while Faseyi would flag the party’s flag in Ekiti North.
Feelers are however showing that Mr Lateef Ajijola has kicked over the result of the Central primary election while Senator Ayo Arise, who lost the ticket for Ekiti North said his next line of action would be determined by his supporters.
Arise, who said he was “a die-hard loyalist of President Goodluck Jonathan,” lost the North primary election to Faseyi, said to be the candidate of Governor Ayodele Fayose. Arise said: “I’m not worried about this loss. I’m just worried about my party because it is people that win elections. So, we are waiting to see what will happen. But I can tell you, judging from the elections that have taken place in this state in the last two weeks that there is a big problem on our hands in PDP.”
On his next move, Arise said “all options are on the table. I’m strong because of my supporters. If I say I want to leave and their interest is where they have been with me, then I must have to succumb to their wish. If I say I want to stay and their interest is somewhere else, then...”
Faseyi, however, said “nobody is a looser among all the aspirants that co-contested with him at the primary election,” saying “all other aspirants should please join hands for our party to succeed in the general election.”
According to him, “the contest was a healthy, credible, fair, transparent and interesting one,l and stated that “there was the need for other aspirants to join hands with whoever the people used their votes to elect in order to ensure overall victory.”
According to him, “we are brothers and members of the same family that is PDP, so we went to the poll just to play the game and now the winner has emerged, we come together again and focus on how to defeat our opponents at the general election for the benefit of all.”
Source: Tribune
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